Red, right, returning

"The '3R' Rule 'Red Right Returning' is the essential rule of thumb for using the lateral system. This means that when entering one body of water from a larger body of water (i.e. returning to a harbor from a bay or sound); keep the red aids to starboard (right) side and green aids to port (left) side. In addition, each aid is numbered, and these numbers increase as entering from seaward."
- U.S. Aids to Navigation System, published by the U.S. Coast Guard

A lot has happened in the last 48 hours, so allow me to catch you up. We'll go in chronological order.

Dolphins riding the Thompson's bow waves as we pulled
into San Diego.
1) The steward made a steak and lobster dinner for our last night at sea. It was epic.

2) Andrew and I packed, palletized, prioritized, padded, and packed all of the gear for the lander on board the ship.

3) I saw dolphins.

4) We arrived in San Diego.

5) All hell broke loose.

Land ho!
6) I lead a field trip to Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where an extremely helpful colleague helped us dispose of chemical waste from the ship and freeze-dry samples.

7) I ate my first fresh banana in 6 weeks.

8) A group of us set up lawn chairs on the dock and stayed out late just talking, laughing, and making up cringe-worthy dances. There was also a sombrero and a hula-hoop involved.

9) The following morning, Andrew and I got all of the lander gear packed into his container at lightning speed.

10) Meanwhile, mass chaos reigned on the dock.

11) The scientists checked into a very fancy hotel. Our dirty jeans and sweaty brows did not mesh with the grand piano in the lobby. Note to self: take a shower.

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